Team Elite and Team LiveSTRONG

We had a little team meeting last Sunday @ Bukit Dumbar. We shared our goals and vision for 2010 to our players. Introduced team Elite and LiveStrong of Innebandy!Co. It was really exciting as we drew the end picture of 2010. But it would be sweater if it turns out the way we want it to be. We did a few changes and I'm sure it's gonna give a positive impact to the players.

I briefly shared the Law of Victory from John Maxwell's 21 Laws of Leadership, with the intention to boost player's morale and to feed their mind with positive energy. I really hope the purpose was fulfilled and they understand what I said. Sam suggested every player to memorize the phrase below, which is think is a really good idea. There you go;

Leadership is responsible
Losing is unacceptable
Passion is unquenchable
Creativity is essential
Quitting is unthinkable
Commitment is unquestionable
Victory is inevitable

After talking and listening. It was time to run. Coach Sam made up run ten laps around Bukit Dumbar with a target time of 23 or 25 minutes.

I haven't been receiving encouragement or motivation when I train. Maybe it's because I train independently, so I don't get so much from others. But last Sunday, every time I ran pass James (who is the time keeper), he would say, "Good job Des/ doing well/ etc" I tell you, that really boosted me up. I was happy.

The run was a medium intensity level due to the slope and not forgetting the hot scorching sun burning through my skin. Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. If you want motivation, motivate others first. =p Appreciate the love and support!

Distance
3.5km
Time
19.00
Average speed
11.0km/h
Maximum speed
16.9km/h

[ima & hippo]

Meeting & Training Night

I have to admit, I have not been very responsible and active with my roles lately, particularly with the Penang Floorball Association (PFA). I chatted with a friend last Tuesday and it made me realize how little I have been contributing to the Floorball scene. All I have been doing lately is to build and prepare myself. [Yea, pretty selfish I know =x] But what triggered all this? It's personal. haha.

We had a Kejohanan Floorball Sekolah Pulau Pinang (KFSPP) meeting last night and I am really glad to be able to sit with this 'dreamers'. We have a goal to achive by 2012 and I believe we have a great team of people that will make all this happen. 2012 ~ a significant year for me! =)

Went for a date with Ima to Teluk Bahang after that. The road along Gurney Plaza is getting more crowded, hectic and jam. It wasn't that bad months back. What's wrong!?

Distance: 42km
Time: 1:20
Max speed: 68.0km/h
Avg speed: 31.5km/h

When I got back home I was amazed with the Max Speed that I hit, 68km/h and I did that on a flat terrain. It's not a downhill thingy. Gonna break my time and speed in the future. I'm gonna increase my mileage to at least 70k per ride. Time to up the stake!

[Training builds the chemistry - Inner Circle]

Metro Park II

I had the privilege to take over the physical training for the state team yesterday. I had two things behind my head that I wanted to achieve.

#1. To implement the buddy system
#2. To create specific goal. My aim was to set an achievable target for each individual (I believe every one has different capabilities)

But did it work according to plan? Not really. I was late and I could see the players getting pretty restless, so I kinda skip the explanation part. At the debrief, I think everyone was half awake, so I didn't bother explaining as well. So I thought I'd do it here.

Buddy system. I wanted players to run with their partner throughout the 30-minutes. As for me, I believe your buddy/partner/friend is a good benchmark and motivator for you to stay strong and long in the run. The only pair that stick to their instruction was Sarah and Pei Li. They walked together and the ran together. Good job! =)

Specific time target. To get an average time per lap/30 minutes = estimated no. of laps. Then I'll make sure the person reaches the target number of laps. A more achievable target would boost the player's 'semangat' la.

After 30 minutes run and 6 uphill sprints. I was happy and satisfied with the players effort. Not too bad but there is a lot of room to improve.

Got this from one of the player.
e: Thanks for torturing my mucles =)
me: It's all love =)
e: Love your head la.. =) it's torture

Well it's how you look at training. Perspective.

[5.3k@10km/r + all out 6x sprints]

Back To Running

My last run by myself was...hmmmm...errrrrrrr....aaaaarr...errrrrrrrr aiyaaaaa. Can't even remember when la. I've been too comfortable riding Ima. The reason why I have been riding and not running it's because of the speed. I love going fast but when I'm running, it feels like I'm a slow tortoise. =x

Yesterday I forced myself to make a run to Gurney and back which is about 8K. Furthermore the weather was just perfect, nice cool breeze with an after rain aroma in the air. The view from Gurney drive was rewarding as well. And oh ya!!! I saw a husky! So so cool!

Anyway, back to my run. My calves were really tight after the 4K mark. It forced me to take a few stops to stretch and loosen those muscles. I really dislike this feeling. It breaks the momentum but I guess my body were not conditioned enough after a long break. Thank goodness, my 'engine' is still in optimal condition.

Question. Have you ever feel like you needed to stop running and take a break even though you're just half way through your run? How do you overcome this and finish strong? Is it the mental or the physical?

Answer. Evaluate your determination. Look inside yourself and find that 'man' within you. How much you have it will determine how hard you train. The harder you train, the stronger you get up in the head and your body.

Based on a true story. This boy, bugs me like nothing after my badminton match. He said, 'Let's go to Bukit Dumbar, if we're late, Sam is gonna kill us.' I was like, 'Relax la, I just finish my match, still tired le.' But he keep insisting that we go. So I gave in and took him over there. When we got there, the Inne guys were all done and it started to rain. You could see the word 'disappointed' written all over his face.

Even before going there, he has already established in his mind that he wanted to train. He wanted it so badly that he wanted to run in the run after eating Char Bee Hoon. Ain't that insane courage? But of course, we stopped him.

It was time for the rest to go home but he insisted to stay still the rain stop. I accompanied him. As soon it stop, he went out and made his lap. He was like a happy child being able to play! That is what training means to him. What is yours?

Be inspired

[8K @ 10.7km/h & a clean Ima]

Badminton With Senior

The long awaited friendly match against Kok Heng (The senior) and myself had finally come to past. The outcome...one word only. Awesome! Before me going over to the Permata Badminton court, I send him a sms, 'Senior, my arms and chest are aching due to my gym workout last night. Eventho I'm feeling weak but I'll still be there to face you like a man.' He replied, 'Ooooo give you handicap. I only use one hand.' Wtc?

Allow me to give a short introduction to the people who were involve in this friendly match.

[John]

The main dude behind all this. He did the marketing and promotion for our event as well. Gather votes, encourage members to give their support, tally up the votes, give announcements, reminders, etc. As a president for the Praise Youth Impact organisation, he showed the true meaning of humility and leading by example. He also ref our match. Great leadership quality.

[Kok Heng]

A very nice competitor who kills with mercy. Giving you smiles to ease the pain when you're being attack. He is good in making you feel it's okay to lose. What a charismatic person with good sportsmanship.(and a cute daughter). Thanks for the compliment about my physique. =) haha

[Jason C]

A not-so-skillful cameraman who tried to capture our moments. He gave me his opinion on my game play after the game. He mentioned, 'The uncle already hit out, why take the ball?. Why you so lousy? Lose to uncle.' Appreciate it and it's funny to hear him calling KH, 'uncle'.

Match report by John Jonathan Leong Dip. Journalism of Copy Cat

The junior Deswyn took command of the opening game, dictating the pace with his tight netplay
and punishing smashes to lead 2-0. It took great effort from Kok Heng to get back into the picture but once he got the momentum going, it all fell into place for himself. He levelled the score at 2-2 and raced to the end without giving any chance to win 15... See More-2.
The 24-year-old Deswyn took the defeat with mixed feelings.
“I am happy I gave him a good fight but it is still disappointing to lose after coming this far. Kok Heng was just too fast and I hope to catch up with him one day. This outing here has given me a lot of confidence,” he said.
Kok Heng said :-“I will not be satisfied with only the match between Deswyn. There are several more major tournaments this year and I hope to do well – in Sam comment 'winner will play agaist him' and John Jonathan will be my next immediate goal.”

One thing I learn from this is, age is not a factor. Skill is. Don't limit yourself with your age. Screw those numbers. Peace out.

Fitness Moves For Your Every Mood

When I first read this article, I find it interesting and pretty practical in life. So true that we may not have the motivation or 'mood' to train at a high intensity mode throughout the week or month. Read it here.

Some of the examples are; when you're angry, do high energy workout such as kick-boxing, it is said that it will help release tension. When you're feeling down, just take a stroll down the beach and act emo. Haha. Brisk walking is also another good form of exercise. And the list goes on.

As for me, training pace/intensity goes on the same or higher despite whatever mood I am in. And again, this is a mental exercise an athlete has to go through. How much you wants it, determines how hard you train. So screw the mood thing and dun let it overtake you. You are in control, take charge! liveSTRONG only.

Having said this, it's not wrong to follow the above article if you're just training for health purposes. Be happy! =) Have a great weekend.

Physical vs Emotional Pain

Again...last night's state physical training was torturous. Running alone was bad enough but I pushed the extra mile to bring Ima along. She loves watching me train. =) My loyal ever faithful supporter. She's getting a bit 'sick', should take her to the 'doctor' soon.

It was my first time at the Metropolitan Park, Relau. New environment and challenges are waiting ahead. Didn't know what to expect but if coach wants us there, he has his reasons. He gave a short briefing on the route and off we go. 30 minutes of slow/medium intensity running with steep slope and stairs (which hurts) and 5x short sprint all out.

After training and a free refill from Dawn, I quickly rushed back home and cycled Ima as fast as I could. I was looking forward to meeting you...but...

[Love has the ability to destroy or to build you + 34K bike + love is not my thing]

Achieved Everthing In Life?

A good friend of mine sent me the picture below a few days back. I would wanna believe that but I am 100% sure that this is an overstatement. Anyhow, thank you for the faith and believe you have or had in me. =)
Let's analyze the picture together. [Disclaimer: This is based on my assumption/understanding/imagination and may not be the same interpretation as the designer.]

JALUR GEMILANG/HIBISCUS I think this represents my love for the Country and the willingness to 'die' for it. Being a Floorball national player gives me better opportunity to live out to my principle, 'dying' for our motherland and making this country proud. But after many international games and championships. I still failed to make Malaysia and the people at home proud. FAILED.

AEROPLANE It has always been my dream to be a pilot because I love flying. Started wearing spectacles when I was 13, screwed up my SPM and I end up working on land instead of on air. FAILED.

GUITAR Wanted to be a rock star and tour the world because it seems to be a fun thing to do. i.e Touring with your bandmates, playing great music, have fans going crazy over you, making people happy with our songs, etc I wouldn't even consider myself as an electric guitarist. Can't make a, like how Jack Black puts it in 'School Of Rock', a face-melting guitar solo. FAILED.

3 SEXY GIRLS What does it suppose to mean? I have them in life? Well, I'm fortunate enough to have many girl friends for sure. It makes me understand girls better, I guess. Hahaha. But have I been a good friend to them lately? Maybe I've disappointed many of them without realizing. FAILED.

GOLD CUP Winning tournaments? Yes we use to be on a winning streak, but now we have to really work our a**es off if we wanna stay competitive. I wouldn't say I'm a failure in this area because I have a great bunch of teammates in team Innebandy!Co. =) Gold medal for Div1 2010? PASSED.

BANANA Yes, i eat them a lot. =p PASSED.

DOG Would love to have one of my own but with my time I have left. I think the dog will turn into an evil mutated dog for not showering enough care and love. So... FAILED.

THE CROSS/THE BIBLE I am really sorry Youth Impact, Young Gen Cell & leaders. I know I have failed and disappointed many of you. FAILED.

SPORTS COMPLEX FAILED.

LOVE I like how my brother put it on 'my thoughts on love written down a paper'. Go check it out. I admire people like Rueben, Sam, Jeremy, Lin Ken, Gerard, Soong Sern and Cui Lin. How they live out to the word love is just an inspiration. The make love and relationship looks easy. How do you do it!?! My longest relationship with a girl is...1 year ++ max? FAILED.

FOOTBALL BALL People use to call me David Beckham. LOL. PASSED? I really enjoyed my PE sessions with my high school friends. =) Makes me happy.

IMA I still love you but haven't been cleaning you lately. Sorry. PASSED.

THE PERSON IN GREEN #20 DESWYN WAN wake up for goodness sake! FAILED.

What's next? A lot and a lot of work to be done.

PowerBar Press Conference 2010

Recently they requested for my latest information regarding myself. One of the question is my nickname. I can't think of any besides...'Swingin' t**s'. So I wrote there, 'Swingin'. If they would to ask me why 'Swingin' during the press conference, I'll be embarass to death! =s

But that's really my nickname ma. Anyway, it's just for laugh/fun. Don't think I have one also.

I am invited to the PowerBar team elite and team excel press conference this coming Thursday (11 March 2010) at Damansara, The Curve. Gonna be a tiring trip for me. Will be traveling about 10 hours for a 2 hours event. Not too sure what to expect but I hope to meet outstanding athletes there. Need inspiration!

I still owe them pictures of me. Gonna do that tonight or else I'm not gonna appear on the website. Thank You for this great opportunity.

[recovery rate is declining, lack of sleep?]

Headwind

Couldn't make it for state training last night, so I did another ride with Ima. Wanted to cycle the same route as per Monday (Bukit Gambir) but it looked like it was gonna rain. Didn't dare to take the risk.

The difference of riding in the evening and night is the wind. I get headwind through my ride and it tiring. I could even feel Ima swaying here and there. =x

'In aerodynamics, a headwind is a wind that blows against the direction of travel of an object. A headwind reduces the object's speed and increases the time required to reach its destination.'

Things that I've change with my Ima; I took out another bottle cage, so I'm only left with one which for sure is not sufficient for my rides, esp riding in hot afternoons/evenings. I've also adjusted my saddle, a little towards the front, giving me more cadence power in my stride. My playlist, less rock songs more house music. Giving me the extra boost. My mind, totally focus on beating my time in each ride. Find what motivates you? When you find 'it', you'd be more determine to the point physical torture becomes pleasure. Wow...sound like a sadist. =p

Along the way back via Jelutong expressway, there was a road block and I got stopped by a uniform officer.

Police: Stop..!
Me: Yes?
Police: Mana lampu depan you?
Me: Oh...belum beli but belakang ada lampu.
Police: Oh tak boleh tak boleh. This is for your own safety.
Me: Okay okay, I will buy. *laughs*
Police: Okay, jalan.

I guess I have to spend again. =x


[facing 'headwinds' in life now]